What is a
pacemaker?
A pacemaker is a device that produces a low electrical current that
stimulates the heart muscle to beat. Several different pacemakers
exist including internal and external pacemakers. Internal
pacemakers may be permanent or temporary whereas external pacemakers
are temporary. Under normal conditions, the heart has its own
pacemaker responsible for generating a heart rate. A normal heart
rate is 60 to 100 beats per minute.
When is a pacemaker used?
The most common indication for using a pacemaker is when a patient’s
heart rate is too slow. Pacemakers may also be used in patients who
are at high risk to develop slow heart rates. Occasionally, a
pacemaker may be useful in the evaluation of patients with very fast
heart rates.
How long are pacemakers used?
Depending upon the patient’s condition pacemakers may be used for
short periods of time or possibly for the rest of the patient’s
life.
Does the use pacemakers cause discomfort?
The insertion of an internal pacemaker causes discomfort similar to
that of a central venous catheter insertion. Once in place an
internal pacemaker rarely causes discomfort. Patients do not feel
the small electrical current that stimulates the heart to beat. The
external pacemaker stimulates the heart to beat by passing the
electrical current through pads attached to the chest. The patient,
if awake, will sense this and complain of a twitching sensation or
discomfort. The twitching is caused by the electrical current
stimulating the muscles under the pads. Fortunately, external
pacemakers are usually used for short periods of time.
What are the potential complications
associated with the use of pacemakers?
The insertion of internal pacemakers may be associated with minor
bleeding, poor positioning of the special pacemaker catheter, and
rarely a collapsed lung. After the pacemaker is inserted, infection
and pacemaker failure may occur. These are very rare events. The
doctor will regularly check the pacemaker's battery power and the
function of the pacemaker to assure that they are working properly.
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External heart pacemaker generator |
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External heart pacemaker generator in use |
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Pacemaker 
